Incidence of anemia in non-hematologic malignancy patients treated with systemic chemotherapy in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital.

Abstract

Objective : To evaluate the incidence of chemotherapy-related anemia and determine risk factors of anemia in non-hematologic malignancy patients.

Method : This study was performed by retrospectively reviewing data from BMA General Hospital’s cancer patient medical records during January 2005 to December 2008. Factors to be ascertained were age, gender,co-morbidities, organ of primary cancer, staging, type of chemotherapy,number(s) of cycle treated and management of anemia. We analysed factors correlated with anemia by using odds ratio.

Result : Of one hundred and forty-six patients treated with chemotherapy,there were thirty-eight patients (2 male and 36 female) developed anemia. Mean patient’s age was 57 years. Mean hemoglobin level was 9.3 gram per decilitre. Incidence of anemia was 26.0 Percent. Factors related with anemia were female gender (odds ratio 5.70 (95% CI 0.88-1.02), stage IV malignancy (odds ratio 4.16 (95% CI 0.19-0.49), and receiving platinum-based chemotherapy (odds ratio 3.22 (95% CI 0.19-0.49). Majority of anemic patients received blood transfusion while only minority obtained erythropoietin.

Conlusion : Chemotherapy-induced anemia was not uncommon condition. Female patients, advanced stage cancer and platinum-based regimen are relevant risk factors. Transfusion was frequent management of anemia in BMA General Hospital.

Keywords : anemia, non-hematologic, malignancy, chemotherapy.